donna muscarella, MS, PhD

CORNELL UNIVERSITY CVMLECTURER, AVIAN CARE

The Importance of Vocal Communication in Maintaining Social Structure in Wild Psittacines: Implications for Parrot-Human Relationships

About

​I received a M.S. degree in animal breeding and genetics and a Ph.D degree in molecular biology from Cornell University. I currently hold the position of Lecturer in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine with a joint appointment in the Department of Animal Science. My position at Cornell has been unique in that it has allowed me to pursue my dual-interests: first, in basic biomedical science, where I’ve had a research program studying comparative chromosome organization, mechanisms of gene regulation and embryonic gene expression with an emphasis in avian systems, and second, in teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional level with the goal of integrating basic scientific concepts with issues relevant to animal and human health.

​What brings me to the Cornell Animal Behavior Symposium is my special, long-standing interest in avian biology – specifically in birds that comprise the taxonomic order Psittaciformes, collectively known as parrots (or Psittacines). For over 25 years I’ve had the privilege of teaching undergraduate and veterinary students on a broad range of biological aspects of Psittacines, including natural history, evolution, genetics, conservation, breeding and, importantly, behavior. For today’s symposium, I will discuss some of the studies by many dedicated biologists that explore the role of vocal communication in maintaining social structure of wild Psittacines, along with laboratory studies that explore their problem solving and vocal learning abilities. My ultimate goal is to use current scientific findings to help people obtain a deeper understanding of the complexity of parrots by appreciating the cognitive abilities and rich social lives of these remarkable birds.

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